The death of a Nigerian man, during a police operation in South Africa has elicited outrage from the federal government of Nigeria, who has called for an in-depth investigation into the death of its citizen.
Footages emerged weekend, of South African police officers assaulting a Nigerian man,who was heard pleading his innocence.
The police officers used what looked to be a polyethylene bag to seemingly strangle the Nigerian citizen several times.
The Nigerian consulate general in Johannesburg, said the incident happened on July 23 in Bellville, Cape Town.
The mission identified the deceased Nigerian as Ibeh Chika Simon.
In a signed statement, consul-general,
Ninikanwa Okey-Uche stated that the federal government strongly condemned the death of Simon, especially as it occurred after another Nigerian was shot.
“We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of another Nigerian, EGWABOR PATRICK CHUKS, who remains under treatment with severe injuries,” the statement reads.
“This tragic event highlights an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.
“Amid rising afrophobic sentiment, such actions reveal a troubling disregard for the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and due process guaranteed by South African law to all human beings.
“We demand an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities. Perpetrators must be held accountable.”
The consulate general stated that no alleged offence justifies execution-style enforcement or unacceptable operational techniques.
“Suspects are entitled to due process in a court of law; no authority should be above it,” the statement added.
The death of Ibeh Chika Simon brings the total number of officially reported deaths of Nigerians in South Africa to five. This number has been disputed by those living in South Africa, who say the number is way higher than the official count
